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What Is Global Warming? — Reading Comprehension

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MS-ESS3-5

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This NGSS-aligned reading passage explains global warming, the greenhouse effect, and how human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation contribute to rising global temperatures. Students will learn how excess carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to effects such as melting ice, sea level rise, and extreme weather. The passage also introduces solutions like renewable energy and reforestation. Designed for middle school readers, it includes science vocabulary, reading comprehension questions, and writing prompts to support literacy and NGSS Earth science standards.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Global warming is the long-term rise in Earth’s average temperature. It’s a part of climate change, which includes changes in weather patterns, sea levels, and extreme events like heatwaves or storms. Scientists have observed that Earth’s temperature has been rising quickly over the last 100 years, especially since the 1970s.

The main cause of global warming is the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases, like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane, trap heat from the sun. This is known as the greenhouse effect. It’s a natural process, but human activities—like burning fossil fuels for cars, electricity, and factories—have added too many greenhouse gases, making the planet warmer than it should be.

One of the biggest sources of CO₂ is the burning of coal, oil, and gas. Cutting down forests also adds to the problem because trees absorb carbon dioxide. When forests are cleared, there are fewer trees to clean the air, and the carbon stored in trees is released back into the atmosphere.

Global warming has many effects on the Earth. It causes ice at the poles to melt, which leads to sea level rise. It also leads to hotter temperatures, droughts, and more wildfires in some areas. Animals are losing habitats, and farmers may have trouble growing crops in changing weather conditions.

People around the world are working to reduce global warming by using cleaner energy sources like solar and wind power, planting trees, and driving electric vehicles.

Fun Fact: The past 10 years have included the hottest years ever recorded on Earth!

What is global warming?

Earth’s rotation speeding upA short heatwave in summerA long-term rise in Earth’s temperatureThe heating of Earth’s core

What causes global warming?

Fewer rainstormsMore volcanoes eruptingExtra greenhouse gases in the atmosphereThe moon being closer to Earth

What are greenhouse gases?

Gases that smell like plantsGases that help plants growGases that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphereGases only found in forests

Which gas is the most common cause of global warming?

OxygenHeliumCarbon dioxide (CO₂)Hydrogen

How do humans add carbon dioxide to the air?

BreathingUsing solar panelsBurning coal, oil, and gasDrinking water

Why does cutting down forests increase global warming?

It adds more animalsTrees use too much waterFewer trees are left to absorb CO₂It makes the air colder

What is the main idea of the passage?

Global warming is caused by natural changesGlobal warming is part of the greenhouse effectGlobal warming is a serious problem caused mostly by humansForests are not important for the environment

How can people help reduce global warming?

Use more plasticCut down more treesDrive electric cars and use clean energyBurn more gas